Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Ivanovich.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rachel. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In 2006 I was a struggling single mom of two young kids. I was working for a local CPA during the day and going to grad school in the evening. I was tired and overwhelmed and knew there had to be a better way. I had a vision of starting and growing a company where work/life balance mattered. I had a dream of discovering and developing my natural gifts and talents so that I was excited every day when I got up. I wanted to be on fire for my life and work.
One day I had enough and so I faxed in my resignation. I bought a laptop and called ten people I knew – I announced, “I just opened my own tax practice, please tell all of your friends”. Over the past twelve years, I have worked tirelessly to build a dynamic team, to help my clients and to serve those who cross my path. We are now a team of six women and we meet with over 700 clients annually.
My dream of building a team of individuals who love their jobs and feel empowered to discover their natural abilities has come true. I truly enjoy helping people and believe that each of my team members holds the same core values. I feel ultimately blessed.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Challenges – of course! They are part of life. Money was one of the greatest obstacles and stressors for me. I wanted to grow the business organically. As a single mom of two kids, there was never enough money. Starting a business is never easy and I really had no idea what I had gotten myself into. I charged groceries and gas on credit cards when the business wasn’t making enough to pay me. I was still going to grad school to get my MBA and the tuition went on the cards as well.
My total debt was over $60,000. I was drowning. I wanted to quit at year seven but someone very wise told me, “you have spent the last seven years putting down roots, just give it one more year and then you will see the growth for yourself”. Thank goodness I listened because that next year I ended up paying off all of my debt and was able to move into a bigger office and hire two more people.
Time has also always been a challenge – as a full-time mom and business owner I juggled work, graduate school and the kids’ activities. I solved my time issue by getting up at 3:30 every morning so that I could be home by 5 or 6 pm to cook dinner and help my kids with their homework. Both of my kids are now young adults and are doing great. They both tell me how my work ethic has influenced them positively!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Easy Life Management, aka ELM – what should we know?
On the surface, we are a tax practice. We specialize in helping small businesses, their owners, and their families. I think what makes us special is our unique relationships with our clients. We are a client focused company and work to develop different solutions for each individual we work with. I tell my team to treat each client as they would their best friend and to really listen to them to hear what their needs are.
As a team, we meet every Friday to discuss the projects that we are currently working on. I want clients to feel that every team member knows their situation and can help them when they call into our office.
We take extra time to not only prepare a quality return for clients but also to understand how else we can help them in their business. I’ve developed quite a network of professionals I work with and am proud to be able to connect clients with people or businesses who can help them, in turn, to become more successful.
One of the greatest things that I feel we do as a team though is to set 10-day goals and to hold each other accountable to complete them. We set goals in five areas: spiritual, family, business, financial and personal. We cheer each other on and are happy to see each other succeed. I think this creates a great work environment and the clients feel that we are well rounded, positive minded people and this energy is contagious.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Gratitude. It is key. I keep a jar on my desk and am constantly writing down what I am grateful for. It helps to keep everything in perspective.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3088 Pio Pico Drive, Suite 201
Carlsbad, CA 92008 - Website: www.elmtax.com
- Phone: 760-730-1817
- Email: rachel@elmtax.com
- Facebook: Easy Life Management
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